Return to the Source - Ma Ganga Pilgrimage
Sacred sites, ceremonies, natural inspiration, temples, and experiences along the northern River Ma Ganga in the sacred towns of Rishikesh, Haridwar and the forests surrounding on safari will create an experience of a lifetime. These sites will not just be visited but revered through satsang and presence. We start with 9 days/8 nights in Rishikesh. Next, spend 2 nights/3 days in Haridwar where we will enjoy a luxury hotel with option to indulge in spa treatments and beautiful scenery while visiting sacred ceremonies and sites. We end our pilgrimage with 3 nights/4 days at cottages in the jungle where we will take 2 guided safaris.
Planning again for November 2026
To register, EMAIL US AT: [email protected]
Here is our general plan, but its important to understand that these plans can change…The India experience is one of adaptability and respect for both the calm and chaos of this culture. Everything we do will be an opportunity to practice yoga. Whatever happens, it will be an incredible experience.
Rishikesh - the Birthplace of Yoga
1/13-21 (8 nights)
1/21-23
Propitiously nestled on the foothills of Gau Ghat - one of the sacred sights of Haridwar, and on the banks of the holy River Ganges, Ganga Lahari Hotel in Haridwar stands at the gateway to the Devbhoomi. Har ki Pauri, the sacred site, is just walking distance from the hotel.
2 nights luxury hotel & spa includes:
· Breakfast included
· Evening Tea and cookies at Aangan.
· Spiritual live Bhajan Sandhya at the in house Temple.
· Auspicious Holy dip at the ghat next to the hotel at Har-Ki-Pauri.
· Welcome refreshment on arrival.
· Two bottles of mineral water in the room replenished daily.
· Turndown service.
· 24 hours internet access.
Hotel Ganga Lahari is set on the sacred banks of the Ganges in Haridwar. The hotel s a gem amongst the hotels in Haridwar. Ideally located near "Har ki Pari", the ghat on which a bath can cleanse a soul from all its earthen trappings, the hotel offers an enchanting as well as a convenient place to stay for pilgrims and tourists coming to Haridwar. The Kumbh Mela can be witnessed in all its glory and sanctimony from the Hotel Ganga Lahari, Haridwar. The majestic gatherings for "Ganga Aarti" can be viewed from Hotel Ganga Lahari's exquisite rooms and seating areas facing the grand river, giving you a glimpse of the vibrant Hindu culture and art.
To register, EMAIL US AT: [email protected]
Safari/Jungle Retreat – food is included for this part of the stay
Wildbrook Retreat in the mountains on a river in the National Park
1/23-26 - 3 nights
Ground transport to Dehradun airport from Safari Retreat on 1/26.
To register, EMAIL US AT: [email protected]
Retreat Costs for Two Weeks:
$1999 for shared room (we can pair you with someone based on your preferences, if you like):
-Rishikesh standard lodging: share with one other person – either twin beds or shared large bed (8 nights) - with activities, yoga, Satsang, etc. (food, dhana/gratuities on your own)
-Haridwar luxury lodging: share with one other person – big luxury suite (2 nights) - breakfast included
-Safari retreat cabins – there will be 2-4 persons per cabin – separate beds (3 nights) - all food and two guided safaris included
$2490 for single/private room:
-Rishikesh private room (8 nights) with activities, yoga, Satsang, etc. (food, Dhaka/gratuities on your own)
-Haridwar private luxury room (2 nights) - breakfast included
-All must share for the safari retreat cabins – there will be 2-4 persons per cabin – separate beds (3 nights) - all food and two guided safaris included. If sharing a room does not feel comfortable for you for the safari retreat, you could depart from Haridwar on 1/23, taxi to Dehradun, and flight home from Delhi 1/24. If this is your choice, please pay $2190.
1) Pay in full
2) Pay a $1000 non-refundable deposit. Lia will put your cc on file and charge you the remainder of your balance on October 1, 2023.
Flight costs are not included in the retreat pricing:
We are so looking forward to sharing this truly incredible experience with you!
Sacred sites, ceremonies, natural inspiration, temples, and experiences along the northern River Ma Ganga in the sacred towns of Rishikesh, Haridwar and the forests surrounding on safari will create an experience of a lifetime. These sites will not just be visited but revered through satsang and presence. We start with 9 days/8 nights in Rishikesh. Next, spend 2 nights/3 days in Haridwar where we will enjoy a luxury hotel with option to indulge in spa treatments and beautiful scenery while visiting sacred ceremonies and sites. We end our pilgrimage with 3 nights/4 days at cottages in the jungle where we will take 2 guided safaris.
Planning again for November 2026
To register, EMAIL US AT: [email protected]
Here is our general plan, but its important to understand that these plans can change…The India experience is one of adaptability and respect for both the calm and chaos of this culture. Everything we do will be an opportunity to practice yoga. Whatever happens, it will be an incredible experience.
Rishikesh - the Birthplace of Yoga
1/13-21 (8 nights)
- Arrive Sat morning, rest & explore
- Optional: Sat night Pizza/Movie Night at Ramana's Garden
- Starting Sun Daily: 7:30-10 am practice
- Tues, Thurs, & Sat Tu: 2-4 pm satsang with Swamiji at Ramana’s Garden deck
- Mon: Vasistha’s Cave on the Ganges – satsang on Ma Ganga
- Weds: Sunrise at Shakti temple with view of Himalayas/optional hike down from Shakti temple – satsang re Shakti
- Weds evening: Satsang/Yoga Nidra 7-9 pm
- Fri: 7-8 am meditation & then FREE day (optional rafting or Beatles ashram)
- Fri evening: Ganga Aarti at Parmarth Niketan ashram
- Optional: Sat night Pizza/Movie Night at Ramana's Garden
- One evening TBD (lunar cycle dependent) Puja at Sivananda Ashram/Divine Life Society
- Sun: Depart for Hardiwar
1/21-23
Propitiously nestled on the foothills of Gau Ghat - one of the sacred sights of Haridwar, and on the banks of the holy River Ganges, Ganga Lahari Hotel in Haridwar stands at the gateway to the Devbhoomi. Har ki Pauri, the sacred site, is just walking distance from the hotel.
2 nights luxury hotel & spa includes:
· Breakfast included
· Evening Tea and cookies at Aangan.
· Spiritual live Bhajan Sandhya at the in house Temple.
· Auspicious Holy dip at the ghat next to the hotel at Har-Ki-Pauri.
· Welcome refreshment on arrival.
· Two bottles of mineral water in the room replenished daily.
· Turndown service.
· 24 hours internet access.
Hotel Ganga Lahari is set on the sacred banks of the Ganges in Haridwar. The hotel s a gem amongst the hotels in Haridwar. Ideally located near "Har ki Pari", the ghat on which a bath can cleanse a soul from all its earthen trappings, the hotel offers an enchanting as well as a convenient place to stay for pilgrims and tourists coming to Haridwar. The Kumbh Mela can be witnessed in all its glory and sanctimony from the Hotel Ganga Lahari, Haridwar. The majestic gatherings for "Ganga Aarti" can be viewed from Hotel Ganga Lahari's exquisite rooms and seating areas facing the grand river, giving you a glimpse of the vibrant Hindu culture and art.
To register, EMAIL US AT: [email protected]
Safari/Jungle Retreat – food is included for this part of the stay
Wildbrook Retreat in the mountains on a river in the National Park
1/23-26 - 3 nights
- Morning Outdoor Practice (outdoor and rustic)
- Two afternoon safaris with jeeps and guides
- All Meals & Snacks Included for this portion of our trip
Ground transport to Dehradun airport from Safari Retreat on 1/26.
To register, EMAIL US AT: [email protected]
Retreat Costs for Two Weeks:
$1999 for shared room (we can pair you with someone based on your preferences, if you like):
-Rishikesh standard lodging: share with one other person – either twin beds or shared large bed (8 nights) - with activities, yoga, Satsang, etc. (food, dhana/gratuities on your own)
-Haridwar luxury lodging: share with one other person – big luxury suite (2 nights) - breakfast included
-Safari retreat cabins – there will be 2-4 persons per cabin – separate beds (3 nights) - all food and two guided safaris included
$2490 for single/private room:
-Rishikesh private room (8 nights) with activities, yoga, Satsang, etc. (food, Dhaka/gratuities on your own)
-Haridwar private luxury room (2 nights) - breakfast included
-All must share for the safari retreat cabins – there will be 2-4 persons per cabin – separate beds (3 nights) - all food and two guided safaris included. If sharing a room does not feel comfortable for you for the safari retreat, you could depart from Haridwar on 1/23, taxi to Dehradun, and flight home from Delhi 1/24. If this is your choice, please pay $2190.
- For those of you interested in YTT hours or CE hours, those are included in these prices. 80 hours total.
- Fees for most activities (except Optional ones) are included in retreat pricing (except those activities like aarti and puja within walking distance or short autorickshaw in Rishikesh).
- Food/Beverages are at your expense except for breakfast in Haridwar and all meals on Nature Retreat/Safari are included (food is very inexpensive in India)
1) Pay in full
2) Pay a $1000 non-refundable deposit. Lia will put your cc on file and charge you the remainder of your balance on October 1, 2023.
Flight costs are not included in the retreat pricing:
- Leave US Jan 11: Find a flight that arrives in Delhi very early morning of Jan 13 (those of us traveling from Portland will be arriving around 1 am and taking the first flight to Dehradun at 8 am - I aim inquiring about group booking discounts, if you are interested)
- Delhi to Dehradun Jan 13th non-stop flights 8 am to 6:15 pm $55-60 Indigo
- Return flight very early morning of January 27 – arrive back in US afternoon of 1/27
- Flights are currently approximately:
~$1050-1200 r/t to Delhi from PDX (if interested in group rate out of PDX, contact [email protected])
~ $120 roundtrip Indigo Delhi to Dehradun to Delhi
We are so looking forward to sharing this truly incredible experience with you!
About Your Teachers:
Stephanie Adams Ruff
Sharing the awareness, acceptance and transformation the practice of yoga brings to our lives is what truly inspires her to teach. She has seen in others, and experienced herself, that regular practice inspires one to greater peace, authenticity, connection, and joy. In her own words,
"I am deeply thankful for what yoga has given me. Coming from a youth of trauma and fear, I have found deep love, connection and trust in life. I am in awe of this practice. It is so much more than what most people know or imagine it to be. Words cannot begin to describe the reverence and respect I have for this tradition. Thank you to all of my teachers, trainees and students. Deep bow to my yoga community. 🙏🏼✨🙏🏼"
Stephanie has been practicing yoga since 1994 and training teachers since 2000. Some of her credentials include: 500 hour ERYT, YACEP, Certified Personal Trainer, Bodymind Academy Fitness & Nutrition Consultant, Orthopedic Exercise Specialist, SAYF-Certified, and CETI Cancer Exercise Specialist.
Sharing the awareness, acceptance and transformation the practice of yoga brings to our lives is what truly inspires her to teach. She has seen in others, and experienced herself, that regular practice inspires one to greater peace, authenticity, connection, and joy. In her own words,
"I am deeply thankful for what yoga has given me. Coming from a youth of trauma and fear, I have found deep love, connection and trust in life. I am in awe of this practice. It is so much more than what most people know or imagine it to be. Words cannot begin to describe the reverence and respect I have for this tradition. Thank you to all of my teachers, trainees and students. Deep bow to my yoga community. 🙏🏼✨🙏🏼"
Stephanie has been practicing yoga since 1994 and training teachers since 2000. Some of her credentials include: 500 hour ERYT, YACEP, Certified Personal Trainer, Bodymind Academy Fitness & Nutrition Consultant, Orthopedic Exercise Specialist, SAYF-Certified, and CETI Cancer Exercise Specialist.
Swami Omkarananda
Swami’s lineage is "my main master.... to be honest I don’t have any main master. All have an important role in my life. Everyone has major role in my inner journey. Everyone is an enlightened being in their way. I studied vedant with Dayananda Saraswati ji , meditation with Swami Veda Bharati ji, lived with Lung Chu who is one of the Tibetan enlightened masters, practiced kundalini with Yogananda Swamiji in Gangotri, and few more swamiji in Himalayan mountains. Finally, I took sanyas from Kalyan Babaji who is master of heart and unconditional love."
Swami Omkarananda lived with Anandamayi Ma in her ashram as a child.
Sri Anandamayi Maa was an Indian saint. Swami Sivananda described her as "the most perfect flower the Indian soil has produced.”
Swamiji gifted Stephanie with the Sanskrit name Pushti in 2017.
Swami Omkarananda grew up with the great lady saint of India, Ma Anandamayi. He studied and lived with six enlightened Masters: Swami Dayananda Saraswati, Swami Veda Bharati, Swami Chidananda Saraswati, Dalai Lama, Lung Chu, and the Master of Masters Kalyan Babaji of Himalayas. Swamiji has multifaceted experience in the field of metaphysics, parapsychology, and mind-matter interaction like psychokinesis and psychic healing, as well as profound knowledge in Vedanta, Sanskrit, holistic lifestyle, and yoga. Swamiji has been on the spiritual and healing path since chilhood. He is an inituitive transformational healer, an expert in Mind Body-Spirit Intgration. From early childhood Swamiji has deep insights into the sphere of spirits and developed psychic abilities. These abilities help him come to know about the roots of his students and client problems. He is leading retreats and seminars around the globe. Swamiji also holds a degree in Engineering along with five Master degrees and a PhD in Metaphysics.
Swami’s lineage is "my main master.... to be honest I don’t have any main master. All have an important role in my life. Everyone has major role in my inner journey. Everyone is an enlightened being in their way. I studied vedant with Dayananda Saraswati ji , meditation with Swami Veda Bharati ji, lived with Lung Chu who is one of the Tibetan enlightened masters, practiced kundalini with Yogananda Swamiji in Gangotri, and few more swamiji in Himalayan mountains. Finally, I took sanyas from Kalyan Babaji who is master of heart and unconditional love."
Swami Omkarananda lived with Anandamayi Ma in her ashram as a child.
Sri Anandamayi Maa was an Indian saint. Swami Sivananda described her as "the most perfect flower the Indian soil has produced.”
Swamiji gifted Stephanie with the Sanskrit name Pushti in 2017.
Swami Omkarananda grew up with the great lady saint of India, Ma Anandamayi. He studied and lived with six enlightened Masters: Swami Dayananda Saraswati, Swami Veda Bharati, Swami Chidananda Saraswati, Dalai Lama, Lung Chu, and the Master of Masters Kalyan Babaji of Himalayas. Swamiji has multifaceted experience in the field of metaphysics, parapsychology, and mind-matter interaction like psychokinesis and psychic healing, as well as profound knowledge in Vedanta, Sanskrit, holistic lifestyle, and yoga. Swamiji has been on the spiritual and healing path since chilhood. He is an inituitive transformational healer, an expert in Mind Body-Spirit Intgration. From early childhood Swamiji has deep insights into the sphere of spirits and developed psychic abilities. These abilities help him come to know about the roots of his students and client problems. He is leading retreats and seminars around the globe. Swamiji also holds a degree in Engineering along with five Master degrees and a PhD in Metaphysics.
Registration
Please email [email protected] or call Lia at 503-737-5609 to register.
Flow Retreat Cancellation Policy for India Retreat:
Please email [email protected] or call Lia at 503-737-5609 to register.
Flow Retreat Cancellation Policy for India Retreat:
- Because we are pre-paying deposits for international travel, there is a non-refundable $500 fee for anyone registered (paying a deposit or paying in full is considered "registered") for this retreat.
- If you cancel your reservation 120 days or more before the retreat start date, there is a non-refundable $500 fee. The remainder of the payment will be refunded to you.
- If you cancel your reservation 60-120 days before the retreat start date, there is a non-refundable $500 fee. The remainder of the payment will be placed on a credit for Flow Studio, valid for two years.
- If you cancel your reservation less than 60 days before your arrival date, no refund or credit will be issued, unless we can fill your space.
- In this post-pandemic world, we highly recommend Traveler's Insurance to protect your travel investment (its surprisingly affordable): www.allianztravelinsurance.com/quote